The group commissioned the Scottish Personal Assistant Employers Network (SPAEN) to carry out the research to gain an insight into the realities of PA employment as a first step in promoting a positive understanding of it.

The research involved a mix of people using services including PAs, PA employers, health and social care professionals from across Scotland’s local authorities and NHS boards, the Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA), Unison Scotland and Workers’ Educational Association (WEA), the Office of the Public Guardian and SSSC staff.

The resources are part of a programme of work we are delivering on behalf of the Scottish Government. Its purpose is to support the social service workforce develop the skills and capacity that increase opportunities for individuals to be actively involved in directing their own support and achieve the outcomes that matter to them.